Bush Praises Security Progress in Iraq

In remarks at the White House Thursday, Mr. Bush confirmed that starting August 1, U.S. troops deploying to Iraq will serve 12 months instead of 15 months.

Mr. Bush says the level of violence in the war is now at its lowest level since 2004. Mr. Bush said the progress appears "durable" but warned it is still reversible.

The U.S. troop surge increased the capability of Iraqi forces to take the lead on the ground.

Mr. Bush says U.S. troops are now largely playing a supporting role.

The president also praised Iraq's political progress and said the U.S. and Iraq have made progress on a long-term agreement on the future of U.S. troops there.

The New York Times newspaper Thursday reports that the United States and Iraq are close to reaching an agreement that satisfies Iraq's desire to be treated as a sovereign and independent nation.

The long-term strategic framework agreement would govern the U.S. troop presence in Iraq after the current U.N. Security Council mandate expires at the end of the year.

By VOA News